Vitamin D deficiency is an important health issue
This June 20, 2014, marks National Vitamin D Awareness Day – taking place on the eve of the shortest day of the year when daylight is most limited.

This important health initiative is on again in 2014 and aims to highlight the number of Vitamin D deficiencies in Australia, its impact on our health and wellbeing, as well as workplace productivity. On this day all workers are encouraged to step outside for a daily dose of sun and Vitamin D. Whether it’s a staff BBQ, outdoor meeting or team building session – by taking a ‘D-Break’ you’ll be helping to raise awareness of the importance of Vitamin D and bone health, as well as fostering a happier and healthier workplace.

For more information on the corporate wellness initiative call 07) 3119 2497.

 

The following is from this website: http://www.ostelin.com.au/vitamin-d/sunlight-vitamin/#geolocation

Sunlight and Vitamin D Synthesis

What type of sunlight provides the best vitamin D?

Exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays is required for vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) to be produced. Vitamin D3 is synthesized in the skin once your unprotected skin receives exposure to sunlights UV rays.

The sun emits three different types of radiation, UVA, UVB and UVC. The ozone layer is good at blocking all of the UVC radiation and most of the UVB, however, none of the UVA radiation. The UVA penetrates deep into the skin and can cause aging and wrinkles. UVB can cause sunburn and acceleration of skin aging.1 UVB radiation from the sun is also the best source of vitamin D.

The sun’s UVB rays vary tremendously and is dependant on several factors including time of day and geographical location. Below are general regarding safe sun exposure times from Osteoporosis Australia.3

Sun Exposure To Achieve Sufficient Vitamin D For People With Moderately Fair Skin^ Type II
Region	Summer (Dec – Jan) At 10am or 2pm*	Winter (July – Aug) At 10am or 2pm*
Northern Australia
Cairns	6-7 minutes	9-12 minutes
Townsville	5-7 minutes	9-13 minutes
Central Australia
Brisbane	6-7 minutes	15-19 minutes
Perth	5-6 minutes	20-28 minutes
Southern Australia
Sydney	6-8 minutes	26-28 minutes
Adelaide	5-7 minutes	25-38 minutes
Melbourne	6-8 minutes	32-52 minutes
Hobart	7-9 minutes	40-47 minutes
*11am or 3pm daylight saving time, respectively. Skin claissification by Fitzpatrick. Adapted from Osteoporosis Australia. Calcium, Vitamin D and Osteoporosis – A guide for consumers. 4th Edition. 2010
^Sun exposure times resulting in 1/3 minimal erythemal dose. Exposure times for people with highly pigmented skin would be 3-4 times greater.

For specific up-to-date information relating to your location, The Australian Bureau of Meteorology issues a UV Index forecast every day to help people to avoid overexposure to high levels of UV radiation.4 UV index range is expressed as a numeric value from 0 to 20. Numbers 3 or above are considered unsafe for sun exposure without protection.2

Risk	Value
Low	0-2
Moderate	3-5
High	6-7
Very High	8-10
Extreme	11+
Table 1. UV Index 3

How does the light get converted to vitamin D in the skin?

When ultraviolet rays from sunlight penetrate the skin, they react with 7-dehydrocholesterol which is a precursor to cholesterol. This reaction forms vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) in the skin. It is then quickly converted by the liver to the prehormone 25(OH)D and then further converted in the kidneys to the hormone 1,25(OH)D2 which is the active form of vitamin D.5

– See more at: http://www.ostelin.com.au/vitamin-d/sunlight-vitamin/#geolocation

– See more at: http://www.ostelin.com.au/awarenessday/#sthash.x64rnb1j.dpuf